A phantom limbo
Well, how long did it take Gandalf?
I think there is at least one aspect for which we can find some kind of vague reference.
In the chapter "The Black Gate Is Closed", Frodo explains to Gollem that Minas Ithil was built by Isildur, the same Isildur who also cut off the finger of the Enemy. Gollem observes "Yes, He has only four on the Black Hand, but they are enough."
Could Sauron not reproduce the finger that was lost? Could he have been eliminated, um, piecemeal?
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I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.
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